The Daily

How the Birth Control Pill Got Over the Counter

Jul 19, 2023

Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The New York Times, unpacks the historic FDA approval for over-the-counter birth control pills. She delves into the long journey of contraception, highlighting its transformative role in women's empowerment and workplace equality. The discussion touches on shifting political dynamics, where even some conservatives now advocate for expanded access amidst restrictive abortion laws. Personal anecdotes from young women underscore the significance of accessible reproductive health in their lives, marking a watershed moment for public health policy.

29:28

Creator website

Episode guests

Pam Belluck

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Birth Control Pill: Empowerment and Controversy

9min

Navigating Birth Control Mandates

8min

Advocacy for Over-the-Counter Birth Control Access

3min

Shifting Dynamics in Reproductive Rights

7min

Current Events: Political Indictments and International Incidents

3min

Last week, for the first time in U.S. history, federal regulators approved the sale of a birth control pill without a prescription.

Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The Times, explains why, after decades of brutal battles over contraception, this decision played out so differently.

Guest: Pam Belluck, a health and science correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

The F.D.A. approved a birth control pill to be sold without a prescription for the first time in the United States, a milestone that could significantly expand access to contraception.
Here’s how women reacted to the news.

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